Pimento Cheese
Sharp cheddar, cream cheese and mayonnaise mixed with diced pimentos. The Southern spread, called the pâté of the South.
Method
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Beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise together in a bowl until smooth.
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Stir in the cheddar, pimentos, garlic powder, cayenne, hot sauce and pepper until evenly combined.
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Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavours blend.
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Serve with crackers, celery sticks or on soft white bread.
Chef’s Tips
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch and makes a dry spread.
- Drain the pimentos well. Wet pimentos thin the spread.
- Use a sharp, aged cheddar. Mild cheese gives a bland spread.
Pairing Suggestions
- Crackers
- Celery sticks
- White bread sandwiches
Storage & Reheating
Keep in a covered container in the fridge up to 5 days.
Common questions
How long does Pimento Cheese take to make?
About 10 minutes in total — 10 minutes of preparation and of cooking. The recipe serves 8.
What are the key tips for making Pimento Cheese?
Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch and makes a dry spread. Drain the pimentos well. Wet pimentos thin the spread. Use a sharp, aged cheddar. Mild cheese gives a bland spread.
What should I serve with Pimento Cheese?
Crackers; Celery sticks; White bread sandwiches.
Is Pimento Cheese suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb, keto and no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Pimento Cheese?
About 229 kcal per serving, with 8 g protein, 2 g carbohydrate and 21 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
Reader Reviews
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.
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